For this former procrastinator, summer is like a gift to open. It appears smack on the road I travel toward my God given destination.
Remember my theme for the year? “Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.” Proverbs 4:26 In what direction are my actions – not my intentions – taking me? The gift of summer provides refreshment on the journey and opportunities that help me stay on the road by doing what I should when I should.
There are three things I’d like to do this summer:
1. Enjoy it! Summertime provides a break from school and often a break from work. In the summer we remember that we SHOULD take breaks.Eating on the back porch encourages us to linger as we observe birds at feeders and admire new hydrangeas. At night we hear katydids and watch fireflies. Blocking out some time to read in the backyard provides a real summer lift for me. It’s rest along the way as my feet travel this road.Staying open to summer surprises boosts the fun factor – like the delightful houseguest we have now, fireworks, ice cream, traveling friends.
2. Complete a project. Summer gives an opportunity to focus and finish. I’ve chosen to clean out my papers. In the workroom project, I made some progress in this area. This time I’m trying to be so thorough that all I have to do afterwards is enjoy using my files because they’re completely pared down and accessible. (Why have reams of stuff I can’t even access?) More on this later. I have two friends with projects of their own; we are encouraging each other. (If I don’t complete the job, I will still be miles ahead of where I was prior to this summer. But no excuse to not finish.) A limited summer season provides limited time in which to work and that helps me focus. It moves my feet in the direction God wants me instead of my stumbling in circles.
3. Establish a new habit. Oh, boy. Three years ago the doctor gave me a copy of Younger Next Year which I recommend if you need motivation for hitting the gym. So I lugged around the conviction without taking action. That’s a burden. Last winter my husband and I had an appointment at a gym – which they cancelled and could not reschedule. Huh? I drifted‚Ķ Last week we signed up at an affordable gym good for beginners – me. I’m now going Monday, Wednesday, Friday. It’s slow but I Am Going! Habit will remove the anguish of decision making and the struggle with my will. By summer’s end, my feet will be accustomed to walking the gym part of the path.
What would you like to do with this summer gift? Are your feet actually moving in that direction?
This, including the verse, was encouraging right now. It made me look again at how I’m doing in NOT procrastinating. I have a ways to go!, but I’m thankful we are getting into inviting people over again (after renovations).
Lynn, isn’t it wonderful to see yourself actually moving in the right direction? I feel like this summer I can look back and see big changes in the last two years. I’ve been creeping along but it’s paying off. Yes, I have a ways to go too! How nice to welcome folks over after renovations. Sometimes it’s hard to pick up the reins again after a sizable break. Double good for you! And congratulations on a big project done!